Spring Football: A look at the cornerback position

A breakdown of the cornerback position for the Oklahoma Sooners ahead of spring practices starting early next week.

Positional Breakdown

Left Cornerback

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Starter: D.J. Graham

Graham will be the starter on the left side. In eight games in 2020 as a freshman, he registered 21 total tackles and an interception. Graham notched three tackles in the Big 12 Championship victory over Iowa State.

His prior experience playing receiver has given Graham a better understanding of the route tree and produced a greater “ballhawk” mentality. He posesses rare vertical speed, great ball-tracking ability, and quickly accelerates out of his backpedal to stay stride-for-stride with receivers. This could be Graham’s breakout year with a heavier workload in the backfield. Jaden Davis and Latrell McCutchin provide solid depth rotation behind Graham on the outside.

Right Cornerback

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Starter: Woodi Washington

Washington will start on the right side in 2021. In nine games last season, he notched 45 total tackles, two interceptions, and four pass breakups. The former four-star recruit will be one of the squad’s veterans this upcoming season for Oklahoma and had the fourth most coverage snaps (284) without a touchdown allowed in 2020, per PFF.

He showcases great route recognition and is effective in both man and zone coverage. Washington will lead the way on the outside but Joshua Eaton and Latrell McCutchin will act as serviceable depth pieces as well in Crimson and Cream.